Washington, DC - 9 May 2018

1. Mid of President Trump and Melania Trump walking on stage

2. SOUNDBITE (English) Donald Trump, U.S. President

"As you know the unemployment rate among military spouses, of whom more than 90 percent are women, is estimated to be four times higher than the unemployment rate that I just spoke of. But we are going to change that, and we are going to change it as quickly as we can."

3. Mid of Trump signing executive order

4. SOUNDBITE (English) Donald Trump, U.S. President

"We're working with states across the country to encourage them to remove licensing barriers so that spouses who work in careers such as teaching nursing and law, many others also can get a job in their profession no matter where they move. And in just a moment I will take executive action to promote military spouse hiring across the federal government. Something that people have wanted presidents to do for a long time. Military spouses have already shown the utmost devotion to our nation and we want to show you our devotion in return."

5. Wide of Trump speaking at podium

6. SOUNDBITE (English) Donald Trump, U.S. President

"Your love, resilience and courage uplifts our heroes and indeed our nation. We are forever in your debt. I also want to thank all of the spouses here today who are serving in uniform. You are an inspiration to us all a great inspiration."

7. Cutaway of audience

8. SOUNDBITE: (English) Melania Trump, First Lady

"Today, I want to take this opportunity to let you all know that as a mothers who are members of the military community you deserve recognition for not only your love for your children, but for the dedication and sacrifice you make on behalf of our country each and everyday."

9. President Trump and first lady exiting stage Trump

President Donald Trump and the first lady hailed the contribution of military spouses in advance of Mother's Day, and he announced an effort to promote the hiring of military spouses.

Trump signed an executive order that emphasizes hiring preferences in the federal government for military spouses.  

He said the unemployment rate among military spouses is estimated to be four times higher than the national unemployment rate. The vast majority of those spouses are women.

Trump said the administration is working with states across the country to remove licensing barriers, so that spouses who work in teaching, nursing and law can get a job in their profession no matter where they move.